Types of Home Care

Comfort Keepers In-Home Care in Orange, California.

Types of Home Care

Assessing Our In Home Health Care Services

All home care services are not the same. With so many different options for care, it can be hard to know which one is the right choice for you or a loved one. In order to make an informed decision, make sure to research the different in home health services and providers and ask the right questions.

The three basic types of home care are employment-based agencies, registries, and independent care providers. Continue reading for more information on each of these.

Employment-Based Agencies

An employment-based agency may be a corporation, franchise, or subsidiary. Caregivers at these agencies are employed by the agency after a rigorous interview, background check,and verification process. Employment-based agencies take care of the costs of taxes, insurance, and more. Caregivers are trained, certified, and monitored in order to provide the best possible in home health services.

Senior Care Registries

Registries do not actually employ caregivers. Instead, they just build and manage databases of caregivers in order to connect clients with the care providers. Because caregivers are not directly employed by the registry, clients may be considered the caregiver’s employer. This means that clients may be responsible for tax withholdings and insurance coverage. Some registries may provide workers’ compensation coverage, so clients should check this before hiring a caregiver. Clients should also ask the registry about background checks, training and certifications, how the caregiver is paid, and whether there is any oversight of each caregiver.

Independent Care Providers

An independent care provider can be a family member, a neighbor, a friend, or someone from your community. Clients who hire an independent caregiver are considered the caregiver’s employer. If a client is paying a caregiver, they are responsible for all related employment taxes and deductions. Clients are responsible for their own insurance policies if they want the extra protection. They are fully responsible for any costs and tasks related to background checks, verifications, and the like.

For more information on these types of home care, contact us. We will be happy to answer any questions you have about in home health services to help you decide on the right type for your family.